Preparation of a novel polyoxime and reversible uptakes of molecular oxygen and carbon monoxide by its metal complexes

Polyketones with carbonyl groups in the polymer backbone (ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer) have been converted into a novel polyoxime by means of C-nitrosation of the methylene groups and oximation of the carbonyl groups. The polyoxime is considered to be composed largely of 1,2-bis(hydroxyimino)trimethylene units. From the polyoxime and divalent Fe-, Co-, or Ni-salts, polymeric metal chelate complexes were prepared which are capable of combining reversibly with molecular oxygen and, especially the Fe-complex, also with carbon monoxide.